Embark Behavioral Health – Cabin John

I attended the outpatient program at embark and it was an awful experience. I was told that i would get family therapy, which they did not provide in the month i attended.

As a PhD neuroscientist at NIH who studies brain conditions, I expected evidence-based care for my son. Instead, Embark refused to work with my child’s existing team of excellent state-appointed providers and top pediatrician. They would not communicate with these experts or align with the measurable outcomes already established by the county’s thorough assessment. Embark had no interest in coordinating care - only in billing my insurance. When I asked reasonable questions about treatment approaches and outcomes, they shut me down. Rather than address my legitimate concerns, they characterized my questions as “relationship issues with the mother” to justify additional charges to my insurance company. This facility preys on desperate parents with good insurance. They refused collaboration with established providers and became hostile when I advocated for my son’s best interests. Two years later, I can confidently say: avoid this program. Find providers who prioritize measurable outcomes and teamwork over insurance revenue. I am a PhD brain scientist at NIH with a son that was diagnosed at age 6 with a behavioral disorder. I have received excellent support and care from providers and treatment centers over the years, but Embark stands out as an absolute disaster on multiple levels. 1) The staff is disorganized. They confused referrals for future providers with past providers that had treated my son, that would have provided useful clinical information to Embark 2) They use family therapy to discuss their internal grievances as opposed to having my son with me for actual therapy 3) My family therapy was set for 9am, even though my son arrived at IOP at 4pm. 4) They billed me personally for the same treatment they submitted to insurance and wanted payment from both me and insurance, even though I had reached my out of pocket max and all treatment was to be covered by insurance. When asked to resubmit to insurance, they refused to do it. 5) Any documents they were supposed to provide, I had to circle back 4-5 times to get what was promised to me. There is no follow through on what they promise to do. If you aren't an organized person, you will never get what you need. 6) They were rude and dismissive with my son's pediatrician. She was the only provider they spoke to, thanks to her taking the lead on reaching out to them. 7) I've shared Embark's emails to me with other top tier professionals in the field and they are shocked and disheartened at Embark's lack of professionalism and pejorative tone. 8) My child had a great experience at Newport Academy. I continue to use the alumni support that is provided to parents and clients of Newport every single day. 9) Many other families I know are thrilled with the support they receive from Newport Academy. 10) As a mom and professional in the field stay away from this place that is level 10 disaster. You will be left feeling frustrated, disappointed, and angry. Your time will be wasted trying to communicate effectively with staff that lack professional acumen, with limited ability to problem solve and accomplish basic tasks e.g. send a list of referrals or connect with a treatment provider for clinical information.

My kids were having a difficult time this year for many reasons and this was a great place to re-set. Everyone was so kind and accommodating and helped us as a whole family. I really trust the care they got and while I expect we still have work to do we are a lot less lost on where to go from here. Also since ending care with Embark, we have been able to get some guidance (before we left as well but even after) on resources outside of their center. Special gratitude to Lydia, Lee and Cameron. Chris from the front desk and Diana from group were also such kind souls. I wish we didn’t have struggles but at the same time we met the kindest people to help us navigate this phase. And now have skills to cope when things come up again (which they will on some level for sure.)